State Police host Operation S.A.N.T.A. to discourage drunk driving

MIDDLETOWN >> The Connecticut State Police launched the 2013 holiday enforcement program Friday in an attempt to save lives and prevent injury as the Christmas-New Year’s holiday season approaches.

Operation S.A.N.T.A., S-top A-nother N-eedless T-ragic A-ccident, is the major holiday accident and injury prevention message from the Connecticut State Police.

This combined accident reduction effort (C.A.R.E.) involves all state police departments across the U.S. The focus of this enforcement will be on drivers’ behavior that most frequently causes accidents. Enforcement will also attempt to rid the roads and highways of drivers who drive under the influence, speed, and fail to wear seat belts.

DUI enforcement will increase dramatically during this holiday season.

Traditionally at this time of year, many holiday celebrations such as house and office parties take place. Many of these parties may include the consumption of alcohol. Some partygoers will not designate a non-drinking driver and will neglect to remember that mixing alcohol with driving any motor vehicle is unwise, dangerous and illegal. State police troopers have scheduled DUI sobriety checkpoints and enhanced DUI enforcement operations on the roads and highways all across Connecticut. Emergency Services & Public Protection Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford said, “Our State Troopers are trying to save lives and keep all of our roads and highways safe. Remember, mixing alcohol with driving a any vehicle is a dangerous combination for everyone, and illegal in our state.”

No one looks forward to spending time in a jail cell, a hospital, or someplace worse during the holidays, officials said. Connecticut State Troopers will be out in force to try to keep drunk drivers off the roads. Troopers are asking the public to make plans in advance for a non-drinking driver to bring you home. If you spot a suspected drunk driver, call 911 and report it to the police, because this is a true emergency, officials said.